1 Samuel 31:3 — Word Study
WLCוַתִּכְבַּ֤ד הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ אֶל־ שָׁא֔וּל וַיִּמְצָאֻ֥הוּ הַמּוֹרִ֖ים אֲנָשִׁ֣ים בַּקָּ֑שֶׁת וַיָּ֥חֶל מְאֹ֖ד מֵהַמּוֹרִֽים׃
BSAWhen the battlemilchâmâh intensifiedkâbad▸ [went sore] againstʼêl SaulShâʼûwl [the desired one, King of Israel] the archersyârâh [men with bows, skilled marksmen] overtook himmâtsâʼ▸ and wounded himchûwl▸ [severely, critically, with many arrows, to the point of great distress, exceedingly] criticallymᵉʼôd
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַתִּכְבַּ֤ד | and it was heavy | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person feminine singular |
| הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ | the battle | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| אֶל־ | against | Preposition |
| שָׁא֔וּל | Saul | Noun proper masculine |
| וַיִּמְצָאֻ֥הוּ | and they found him | Verb qal sequential imperfect third person masculine plural, suffix |
| הַמּוֹרִ֖ים | the archers | Particle, verb hiphil participle (active) masculine plural |
| אֲנָשִׁ֣ים | men | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| בַּקָּ֑שֶׁת | with the bow | Preposition, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וַיָּ֥חֶל | and he was in severe pain | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| מְאֹ֖ד | exceedingly | Adv |
| מֵהַמּוֹרִֽים׃ | from the archers | Preposition, particle, verb hiphil participle (active) masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. |
| KJV | And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. |
| ASV | And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. |
| YLT | And the battle is hard against Saul, and the archers find him — men with bow — and he is pained greatly by the archers; |
| WEB | The battle went hard against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. |
| BBE | And the fight was going badly for Saul, and the archers came across him, and he was wounded by the archers. |
The translations agree on the critical nature of Saul's injuries, with no significant differences noted.
The sentence structure is complex, with a main clause followed by several subordinate phrases that elaborate on the actions and consequences.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
verbכָּבֵד
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 1 Samuel 31:3
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Death of Saulgenerated
1 Samuel 31:3 presents the tragic conclusion of King Saul's life during a fierce battle against the Philistines. As the conflict escalates, Saul faces overwhelming odds, leading to his critical injuries inflicted by skilled archers. This moment is pivotal in the narrative, showcasing the consequences of Saul's choices and the fate of Israel's first king, as further described in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 1:4 | “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” |
| 2 | Amos 2:14 | Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life. |
| 3 | Genesis 49:23 | The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 22:34 | However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — וַיָּ֥חֶל, vai.Ya.chelgenerated
The verb חיל (chuwl) conveys a sense of twisting or writhing, often associated with pain or distress. In this context, it describes Saul's severe suffering as he is critically wounded, emphasizing the intensity of his physical and emotional state.
This verb is in the Qal form, indicating a simple action, and is parsed as a sequential imperfect third person masculine singular, showing that Saul's suffering is ongoing and acute. The choice of this verb underscores the gravity of his situation, as he experiences profound pain from his injuries.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we reference the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the term wounded him critically.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb וַיִּמְצָאֻ֥הוּ (and they found him) governs the sentence, with several phrases providing context: the intensification of the battle, the actions of the archers, and Saul's resulting pain.
The structure highlights the sequence of events, with the subject and action clearly delineated, allowing the reader to grasp the unfolding tragedy of Saul's encounter with the archers.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates וַתִּכְבַּ֤ד as βαρύνεται, indicating a sense of heaviness or burden in the battle against Saul. This choice reflects the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the dire circumstances faced by Saul.
This translation captures the essence of the Hebrew, showing a consistent understanding of the battle's intensity and its impact on Saul.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Samuel 31:3 describes how the battle against Saul became intense, leading to him being critically wounded by archers. This moment highlights Saul's suffering and the tragic end of his reign as the first king of Israel.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It indicates that the fighting became more severe and overwhelming for Saul and his forces.
The archers were skilled marksmen who targeted Saul during the battle, leading to his critical injuries.
Saul's critical wounding marks the climax of his tragic story, reflecting the consequences of his actions and the loss of Israel's first king.
This verse encapsulates the culmination of Saul's failures and the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding his downfall as king.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can we learn from Saul's choices that led to his tragic end?
- How does the concept of intense battle apply to struggles we face in our lives?
- In what ways can we recognize the signs of escalating challenges in our own situations?
- What lessons can we draw from Saul's experience regarding leadership and responsibility?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators reference this verse to discuss the spiritual implications of Saul's downfall and the nature of divine judgment.
“I will inebriate my arrows with blood, and my sword will devour flesh.” These are the spiritual arrows of the Lord with which he strikes the heart of the human race and drains our spiritual blood.Early Church Fathers on 1 Samuel 31 →
The entire weight of the battle turned upon Saul, etc. The gentiles were exerting all their strength to destroy the kingdom of Judea.Early Church Fathers on 1 Samuel 31 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Samuel 31:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd the battle went sore against Saul,.... Pressed heavy upon him; he was the butt of the Philistines, they aimed at his person and life: and the archers hit him; or "found him" (a); the place where
Read John Gill on 1 Samuel 31 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. The battle went sore against Saul ... and he was sore wounded of the archers.
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Samuel 31 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments1 Samuel 31:3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.Ver. 3. And he was sore wounded of the archers.] Sulpitius Severus saith he was so wounded that he fell from his horse. But this he addeth of his own; for neither in the Scriptures nor yet in Josephus read we any such thing. Saul equo delapsus. - Sac. Hist., lib. i.
Read John Trapp on 1 Samuel 31 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(3) And the battle went sore against Saul.—That is, after the death of Jonathan and his brothers. The great warrior king no doubt fought like a lion, but one by one his brave defenders fell in harness by his side; and the enemy seems to have directed their principal attention, at this period of the fight, to killing or capturing the famous Saul. And the archers hit him.—It would seem as though, in that deadly combat, none could strike down that giant kingly form, so the archers—literally, as in the margin of our Version, shooters, men with bows, skilful shots—were told off, and these, aiming at the warrior towering above the other combatants, with the crown on his head (2 Samuel 1:10), hit…
Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Samuel 31 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 3. He was sore wounded of the archers.] It is likely that Saul's sons were slain by the archers, and that Saul was now mortally wounded by the same. Houbigant translates, The archers rushed upon him, from whom he received a grievous wound. He farther remarks that had not Saul been grievously wounded, and beyond hope of recovery, he would not have wished his armour-bearer to despatch him; as he might have continued still to fight, or have made his escape from this most disastrous battle. Some of the versions render it, He FEARED the archers greatly; but this is by no means likely.
Read AdamClarke on 1 Samuel 31 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges3. the battle went sore against Saul] Cp. 1 Kings 22:31 ff. The Vulg. has a striking paraphrase: “the whole weight of the battle was directed against Saul,” (totumque pondus praelii versum est in Saul). he was sore wounded] So the Sept. and Vulg. But the Heb. may also be rendered, “and he was sore afraid.” Despair and the fear of insult paralysed his courage. For “of the archers” the Sept. reads “in the abdomen,” but the Heb. text is preferable.
Read Cambridge on 1 Samuel 31 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHe was sore wounded - Better, “he was sore afraid” (compare Deuteronomy 2:25). Saul’s fear is explained in 1 Samuel 31:4.
Read Albert Barnes on 1 Samuel 31 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible3. Battle went sore — This verse is rendered better thus: Then the battle was heavy against Saul, and the archers, men with the bow, discovered him, and he became greatly terrified because of the
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 1 Samuel 31 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically.
The battle went hard against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.
When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically.
Saul himself was in the thick of the battle; the archers spotted him and wounded him severely.
Tyndale line
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.
And the battle was severe against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was severely wounded by the archers.
And when the battel went sore against Saul, the archers and bowmen hit him, and hee was sore wounded of the archers.
Strictly literal
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers came up with him; and he was much terrified by the archers.
And the battle is hard against Saul, and the archers find him — men with bow — and he is pained greatly by the archers;
And the battle is hard against Saul, and the archers find him—men with bow—and he is greatly pained by the archers;
And the battle was heavy against Saul, and he was found by the archers, the men with bows; and he was greatly in dread of the archers.
The battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers overtook him. He was in severe pain because of them.
From the Latin
And the whole weight of the battle was turned upon Saul: and the archers overtook him, and he was grievously wounded by the archers.
Simplified
The fighting became very intense around Saul, and the arrows of the Philistine archers found their target, wounding Saul very badly.
And the fight was going badly for Saul, and the archers came across him, and he was wounded by the archers.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with the Septuagint reflecting a similar structure and meaning. However, the Dead Sea Scrolls show some textual restoration, indicating missing words that were supplied by an editor, but the core message remains intact.
וַתִּכְבַּ֤ד הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ אֶל־ שָׁא֔וּל וַיִּמְצָאֻ֥הוּ הַמּוֹרִ֖ים אֲנָשִׁ֣ים בַּקָּ֑שֶׁת וַיָּ֥חֶל מְאֹ֖ד מֵהַמּוֹרִֽים׃
9 of the 11 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[ותכבד] [המלחמה] על שאול [וימצאו׳הו] [המורים] [בקשת] [ויחלו] [את׳ו] [אל] [המתנים]
2 words on the leather — 9 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 1 Samuel 31:3
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word כָּבֵד (kabad) is built from a primitive root meaning 'to be heavy.' It covers a range of meanings, including being burdensome, weighty, or honorable. The word can describe both a negative sense of heaviness or dullness and a positive sense of honor or glory. It appears in various forms, such as making oneself heavy or being made honorable.
כָּבֵד vb. be heavy, weighty, burdensome, honoured
Qal
be heavy, in weight
heavy, insensible, dull
be honoured
Niph.
pass.
be made heavy fr. abundance
be honoured, enjoy honour, of man
medial, get oneself glory (or honour), of God
Pi.
make heavy, insensible
make honourable, honour, glorify, usu. c. human subj.
Pu. be made honourable, honoured
Hiph.
make heavy
make heavy, dull, unresponsive, the ears
cause to be honoured
Hithp.
make oneself heavy, dense, numerous
honour oneself
base
H3513 כָּבֵד be heavy, weighty, burdensome, honoured .. be heavy, in weight
. heavy, insensible, dull
. be honoured
. . pass. . be made heavy fr. abundance
. be honoured, enjoy honour, of man
. medial, get oneself glory (or honour), of God
. . make heavy, insensible
. make honourable, honour, glorify, usu. c. human subj.
. be made honourable, honoured
. . make heavy
. make heavy, dull, unresponsive, the ears
. cause to be honoured
. . make oneself heavy, dense, numerous
. honour oneself
3513 kabad kaw-bad'
or kabed {kaw-bade'}; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. in
a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense
(numerous, rich, honorable; causatively, to make weighty (in
the same two senses):--abounding with, more grievously
afflict, boast, be chargeable, X be dim, glorify, be (make)
glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden,
be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to,
do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man),
lade, X more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote
(to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop.
כָּבֵד (ka.vad) — to honor: honour.
: honour/glory
1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be heavy
1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull
1a3) to be honoured
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant
1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible
1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify
1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to make heavy
1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive
1e3) to cause to be honoured
1f) (Hithpael)
1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous
1f2) to honour oneself
כָּבֵד (ka.vad) — to honor: heavy.
: heavy/severe
1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person feminine singularHc/Vqw3fs
מִלְחָמָה (milchamah) means 'battle' or 'war.' It is derived from the root word for fighting and encompasses both specific engagements and the broader concept of warfare. The entries consistently define it in this way, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
מִלְחָמָה 319 n.f. battle, war
base
H4421 מִלְחָמָה battle, war
4421 milchamah mil-khaw-maw'
from 3898 (in the sense of fighting); a battle (i.e. the
engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare):--battle,
fight(-ing), war((-rior)).
see HEBREW for 03898
מִלְחָמָה (mil.cha.mah) — battle.
battle, war
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
See WAR.
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
1) to, toward, unto (of motion)
2) into (limit is actually entered)
2a) in among
3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion)
4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character)
5) in addition to, to
6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of
7) according to (rule or standard)
8) at, by, against (of one's presence)
9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Prep — PrepositionHR
a-genst' (kata; enantion; pros): Preposition expressing contrast. When used of direction, equivalent to "toward" (Mt 10:35; 12:14, etc.); when of position, meaning "opposite," "facing," "in front of" (1Ki 7:5; Ge 15:10, Ro 8:31); when of action, "opposed to" (Mt 5:11; 26:59; 1Co 4:6); "in resistance to" (Heb 12:4); "provision for" (Greek eis, literally, "unto, toward" (1Ti 6:19)). Sometimes also applied to what breaks an established order as "customs" (
שָׁאוּל (Sha'uwl) means 'asked' and is associated with several figures in the Old Testament, most notably Saul, the first king of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin. The entries indicate that the name can refer to multiple individuals, including an early king of Edom and a Levite. The name is derived from a passive participle form, suggesting a connection to the act of asking.
שָׁאוּל n.pr.m. (= asked)
397 1st king of Isr.
a king of Edom
a son of Simeon
a Levite
base
H7586 שָׁאוּל (= asked)
7586 Sha'uwl shaw-ool'
passive participle of 7592; asked; Shaul, the name of an
Edomite and two Israelites:--Saul, Shaul.
see HEBREW for 07592
שָׁאוּל (sha.ul) — Saul.
A king of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.9.2;
son of: Kish (H7027); married to Ahinoam (H0293) and Rizpah (H7532);
father of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Ish-bosheth (H0378), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H)
§ Saul or Shaul = "desired"
1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel
2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah
3) a son of Simeon
4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
שָׁאוּל (sha.ul) — Shaul.
A man of the tribe of Simeon living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.10;
son of: Simeon (H8095) and Canaanite_woman (H3669);
brother of: Jemuel (H3223), Jamin (H3226), Ohad (H0161), Jachin (H3199) and Zerah (H2226L);
father of: Shallum (H7967K)
Also named: sha.u.li (שָׁאוּלִי "Shaulite" H7587)
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
sol (sha'ul; Saoul):
(1) The first king of Israel.
I. EARLY HISTORY
1. Name and Meaning
2. Genealogy
3. Home and Station
4. Sources for Life
5. Election as King
6. Reasons for It
II. REIGN AND FALL
1. His First Action
2. Army Reorganized
3. Battle of Michmash
4. Defeats the Amalekites
5. Deposition Pronounced
6. David Introduced to Saul
7. Two Accounts
8. Saul's Envy of David
9. Attempts to Get Rid of David
10. David Spares Saul
11. Saul's Divided Energies
12. Consults a Necromancer
13. Battle of Gilboa
14. Double Accounts
15. Saul's Posterity
III. CHARACTER
1. Book of Chronicles
2. Saul's Failings
3. His Virtue
4. David's Elegy
I. Early History.
1. Name and Meaning:
The name Saul is usually regarded as simply the passive participle of the verb "to ask," and so meaning "asked" (compare 1Sa 8:4 ff), but the gentilic adjective sha'uli (
Saul
Asked for. (1.) A king of Edom (Gen. 36:37, 38); called Shaul in 1 Chr. 1:48.
(2.) The son of Kish (probably his only son, and a child of prayer, “asked for”), of the tribe of Benjamin, the first king of the Jewish nation. The singular providential circumstances connected with his election as king are recorded in 1 Sam. 8-10. His father’s she-asses had strayed, and Saul was sent with a servant to seek for them. Leaving his home at Gibeah (10:5, “the hill of God,” A.V.; lit., as in R.V. marg., “Gibeah of God”), Saul and his servant went toward the north-west over Mount Ephraim, and then turning north-east they came to “the land of Shalisha,” and thence eastward to the land of Shalim, and at length came to the district of Zuph, near Samuel’s home at Ramah (9:5-10). At this point…
(desired), more accurately Shaul. One of the early kings of Edom, and successor of Samlah. (Genesis 36:37,38; 1 Chronicles 1:48) (B.C. after 1450.) The first king of Israel, the son of Kish, and of the tribe of Benjamin. (B.C, 1095-1055.) His character is in part illustrated by the fierce, wayward, fitful nature of the tribe and in part accounted for by the struggle between the old and new systems in which he found himself involved. To this we must add a taint of madness. which broke out in violent frenzy at times leaving him with long lucid intervals. He was remarkable for his strength and activity, (2 Samuel 1:25) and, like the Homeric heroes, of gigantic stature, taller by head and shoulders than the rest of the people, and…
The son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, the first king of the Israelites, anointed by Samuel, B. C. 1091, and after a reign of forty years filled with various events, slain with his sons on Mount Gilboa. He was succeeded by David, who was his son-in-law, and whom he had endeavored to put to death. His history is contained in 1Sa 10:1-31:13. It is a sad and admonitory narrative. The morning of his reign was bright with special divine favors, both providential, and spiritual, 1Sa 9:20 10:1-11,24,25. But he soon began to disobey God, and was rejected as unworthy to found a line of kings; his sins and misfortunes multiplied, and his sun went down in gloom. In his first war with the Ammonites, God was with him; but then follow his presumptuous sacrifice, in the absence of Samuel…
מָצָא (matsa') is a Hebrew verb meaning to find or attain. It encompasses a range of actions, including discovering something lost, encountering someone, or coming upon a situation. The word can also imply being present or sufficient. Lexicons note various forms and uses, including Qal, Niphal, and Hiphil, which indicate different nuances of finding and encountering.
מָצָא 452 vb. attain to, find
Qal
find
find out
= come upon, light upon
noteworthy phrases
Niph. pass. of Qal, be found
Hiph.
cause to find, attain
cause to light upon, come upon, come
cause to encounter
present unto
base
H4672 מָצָא attain to, find
4672 matsa' maw-tsaw'
a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or
exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire;
figuratively, to occur, meet or be present:--+ be able,
befall, being, catch, X certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to
hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion,
out), get (hold upon), X have (here), be here, hit, be left,
light (up-)on, meet (with), X occasion serve, (be) present,
ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.
מָצָא (ma.tsa) — to find.
1) to find, attain to
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to find
1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought)
1a1b) to find (what is lost)
1a1c) to meet, encounter
1a1d) to find (a condition)
1a1e) to learn, devise
1a2) to find out
1a2a) to find out
1a2b) to detect
1a2c) to guess
1a3) to come upon, light upon
1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with
1a3b) to hit
1a3c) to befall
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be found
1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered
1b1b) to appear, be recognised
1b1c) to be discovered, be detected
1b1d) to be gained, be secured
1b2) to be, be found
1b2a) to be found in
1b2b) to be in the possession of
1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be
1b2d) to be left (after war)
1b2e) to be present
1b2f) to prove to be
1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to cause to find, attain
1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come
1c3) to cause to encounter
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff — Verb qal sequential imperfect third person masculine plural · suffixHc/Vqw3mp/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word יָרָא (*yarah*) encompasses meanings related to shooting, pouring, and throwing. It can refer to actions like shooting arrows or casting water, as well as figurative uses such as teaching or directing. The entries indicate that it has both a literal and a figurative range, with roots in the idea of flowing or pointing out.
[יָרָא] vb. shoot, pour
Qal shoot with arrows
Hiph. and they shot at; Pt. pl. the shooters, archers
Hoph. he that watereth shall himself also be watered
base
יָרָה vb. throw, shoot
Qal
throw, cast
cast (= lay, set), corner-stone; pillar
shoot arrows
throw water, rain
Niph. shot through (with arrows)
Hiph.
throw, cast
shoot (arrows)
throw water, rain
point out, shew
direct, teach, instruct
base
H3384a יָרָא shoot, pour H3384b יָרָה throw, shoot .. throw, cast
. cast (= lay, set), corner-stone; pillar
. shoot arrows
. throw water, rain
. shot through (with arrows)
. . throw, cast
. shoot (arrows)
. throw water, rain
. point out, shew
. direct, teach, instruct
3384 yarah yaw-raw'
or (2 Chr. 26:15) yara; {yaw-raw'}; a primitive root;
properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to
lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot);
figuratively, to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to
teach:--(+) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew,
shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through.
יָרָא (ya.ra) — to shoot.
1) to shoot, pour
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to shoot arrows
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to shoot at
1b2) part. shooter, archer
1c) to throw water, rain
יָרָה (ya.rah) — to show.
1) to point out, show
1b) to direct, teach, instruct
Art | V-Hiphil — Particle · verb hiphil participle (active) masculine pluralHTd/Vhrmpa
אֱנוֹשׁ (enowsh) refers to man or mankind, often used in a poetic context. It denotes a mortal individual, distinguishing humans from more dignified terms for man. The word encompasses both singular and collective meanings, indicating people or persons in general. Its Aramaic equivalent is אֱנָשׁ (e.nash), also meaning 'man'.
אֱנוֹשׁ n.m. man, mankind, mostly poet.
of individ.
coll. men
man, mankind
base
H582 אֱנוֹשׁ man, mankind, mostly poet.
582 'enowsh en-oshe'
from 605; properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the
more dignified 120); hence, a man in general (singly or
collectively):--another, X (blood-)thirsty, certain,
chap(-man); divers, fellow, X in the flower of their age,
husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some
( X of them), + stranger, those, + their trade. It is often
unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in
apposition with another word . Compare 376.
see HEBREW for 0605
see HEBREW for 0120
see HEBREW for 0376
אֱנוֹשׁ (e.nosh) — human.
1) man, mortal man, person, mankind
1a) of an individual
1b) men (collective)
1c) man, mankind
Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
HNcmpa — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qesheth) primarily means 'bow,' referring to a weapon for hunting or battle, and can also denote 'rainbow.' It is derived from a root meaning to bend, suggesting strength. The term encompasses both literal and figurative uses, including references to archers and might.
קֶ֫שֶׁת n.f. bow
bow
rainbow
base
H7198 קֶ֫שֶׁת bow . bow
. rainbow
7198 qesheth keh'-sheth
from 7185 in the original sense (of 6983) of bending: a bow,
for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris:--X
arch(-er), + arrow, bow((-man, -shot)).
see HEBREW for 07185
see HEBREW for 06983
קֶ֫שֶׁת (qe.shet) — bow.
1) bow
1a) bow (for hunting, battle)
1b) bowmen, archers
1c) bow (fig. of might)
1d) rainbow
HRd/Ncfsa — Preposition · noun common feminine singular absoluteHRd/Ncfsa
bo.
See ARCHERY.
Bow
The bow was in use in early times both in war and in the chase (Gen. 21:20; 27:3; 48:22). The tribe of Benjamin were famous for the use of the bow (1 Chr. 8:40; 12:2; 2 Chr. 14:8; 17:17); so also were the Elamites (Isa. 22:6) and the Lydians (Jer. 46:9). The Hebrew word commonly used for bow means properly to tread (1 Chr. 5:18; 8:40), and hence it is concluded that the foot was employed in bending the bow. Bows of steel (correctly “copper”) are mentioned (2 Sam. 22:35;
(Genesis 37:10) The eastern mode of salutation, by kneeling upon one knee and bending the head forward till it touched the ground.
A weapon much used in ancient times, both for hunting and for war. It was made of wood, horn, or steel, Ge 27:3 Ps 18:34; and the foot was sometimes used in bending it. It was carried in a case, when not used, Hab 3:19. The Benjamites were celebrated for their skill in the use of this weapon, 1Ch 12:2 2Ch 14:8 17:17. See ARMS. The phrase, "a deceitful bow," to which the people of Israel are compared, Ps 78:57 Ho 7:16, means an ill-made or twisted bow, which does not shoot the arrow as it is aimed. In
The Hebrew word חוּל (chuwl) is built from a primitive root meaning to twist or whirl. It covers a range of meanings, including to dance, writhe in pain, bear children, and wait anxiously. The word can also imply strength or firmness, as noted in some entries. Various forms indicate different nuances, such as being made to writhe or suffering anguish.
חוּל [חִיל] vb. whirl, dance, writhe
Qal
dance
twist, writhe
whirl, whirl about
Po‛lel
dance
writhe in travail with, bear, bring forth (poet.)
wait anxiously
Po‛lal
be made to writhe
be brought forth
Hiph. cause to be in anguish
Hoph. be born
Hithpol.
whirling
writhing, suffering torture
wait longingly
Hithpalp. and she writhed in anxiety
base
[חול, חִיל] vb. be firm, strong
base
H2342a חוּל [חִיל] whirl, dance, writhe .. dance
. twist, writhe
. whirl, whirl about
.. dance
. writhe in travail with, bear, bring forth (poet.)
. wait anxiously
.. be made to writhe
. be brought forth
. cause to be in anguish
. be born
. . whirling
. writhing, suffering torture
. wait longingly
. and she writhed in anxiety
H2342b חול, חִיל br firm, strong
2342 chuwl khool
or chiyl {kheel}; a primitive root; properly, to twist or
whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e. (specifically) to
dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear;
figuratively, to wait, to pervert:--bear, (make to) bring
forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously
(with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope,
look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake,
shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain),
tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded.
חוּל (chul) — to twist: tremble.
: tremble/fear
1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to dance
1a2) to twist, writhe
1a3) to whirl, whirl about
1b) (Polel)
1b1) to dance
1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth
1b3) to wait anxiously
1c) (Pulal)
1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear
1c2) to be brought forth
1d) (Hophal) to be born
1e) (Hithpolel)
1e1) whirling (participle)
1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle)
1e3) to wait longingly
1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
חִיל (chil) — be firm.
to be firm, strong
חוּל (chul) — to twist: give birth.
: give_birth
1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to dance
1a2) to twist, writhe
1a3) to whirl, whirl about
1b) (Polel)
1b1) to dance
1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth
1b3) to wait anxiously
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
pan (chul, chil, chebhel, chalah, chalchalah, ka'-ebh, ke'ebh, metsar, makh'obh, `amal, tsir; basanizo, ponos, odin): These words signifying various forms of bodily or mental suffering are generally translated "pain"; 28 out of the 34 passages in which the word is used are in the poetical or prophetical books and refer to conditions of mental disquiet or dismay due to the punishment of personal or national sin. There is only one instance where the word is used as a historic record of personal physical pain: the case of the wife of Phinehas (1Sa 4:19), but the same word tsir is used figuratively in Isa 13:8; 21:3; Da 10:16, and translated "pangs" or "sorrows." In other passages where we have the same comparison of consternation…
מְאֹד (m`od) refers to concepts of muchness, force, and abundance. It serves as an adverb meaning exceedingly or greatly, often used to intensify other words. The entries highlight its use in various idioms to express magnitude or degree, with a focus on might and intensity.
מְאֹד n.m. muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly
force, might
in diff. idioms (298 t.) to express the idea of exceedingly, greatly, very (whether of magnitude or degree)
base
H3966 מְאֹד muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly . force, might
. in diff. idiomns (298 t.) to express the idea of exceedingly, greatly, very (whether of magnitude or degree)
3966 m`od meh-ode'
from the same as 181; properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or
without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly,
speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
superlative; especially when repeated):--diligently,
especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), X
louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so)
sore, utterly, very (+ much, sore), well.
see HEBREW for 0181
מְאֹד (me.od) — much.
adv
1) exceedingly, much
subst
2) might, force, abundance
n m
3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly
3a) force, might
3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree)
3b1) exceedingly
3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly
3b3) with muchness, muchness
Adv — AdvHAcmsa
The Hebrew word יָרָא (*yarah*) encompasses meanings related to shooting, pouring, and throwing. It can refer to actions like shooting arrows or casting water, as well as figurative uses such as teaching or directing. The entries indicate that it has both a literal and a figurative range, with roots in the idea of flowing or pointing out.
[יָרָא] vb. shoot, pour
Qal shoot with arrows
Hiph. and they shot at; Pt. pl. the shooters, archers
Hoph. he that watereth shall himself also be watered
base
יָרָה vb. throw, shoot
Qal
throw, cast
cast (= lay, set), corner-stone; pillar
shoot arrows
throw water, rain
Niph. shot through (with arrows)
Hiph.
throw, cast
shoot (arrows)
throw water, rain
point out, shew
direct, teach, instruct
base
H3384a יָרָא shoot, pour H3384b יָרָה throw, shoot .. throw, cast
. cast (= lay, set), corner-stone; pillar
. shoot arrows
. throw water, rain
. shot through (with arrows)
. . throw, cast
. shoot (arrows)
. throw water, rain
. point out, shew
. direct, teach, instruct
3384 yarah yaw-raw'
or (2 Chr. 26:15) yara; {yaw-raw'}; a primitive root;
properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to
lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot);
figuratively, to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to
teach:--(+) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew,
shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through.
יָרָא (ya.ra) — to shoot.
1) to shoot, pour
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to shoot arrows
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to shoot at
1b2) part. shooter, archer
1c) to throw water, rain
יָרָה (ya.rah) — to show.
1) to point out, show
1b) to direct, teach, instruct
HR/Td/Vhrmpa — Preposition · particle · verb hiphil participle (active) masculine pluralHR/Td/Vhrmpa